About the Artist

Over the last twenty years Steve McQueen has been influential in expanding the way in which artists work

He has been the author of some of the most seminal works of the moving image designed for gallery-based presentation, as well as four films for cinematic release, Hunger (2008), Shame (2010), 12 Years a Slave (2013) and Widows (2018).

His work hovers between the specific and the universal and certain works stem from McQueen’s unflinching observation of the self.

Born in London in 1969 he currently lives and works in London and Amsterdam. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including Best Picture (for 12 Years A Slave), Academy Awards in 2014, CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2011, OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2002 and the Turner Prize, Tate Gallery, London, England in 1999.

On the Tate Year 3 Project:

"The idea came from thinking about my past and my present and how I got here. I wanted to have an idea of the map of London, the future.

London is very much in my heart. It’s very much a part of me and what shaped me as a person. Year 3 is an important time in a child’s life because it’s at that point that you’re getting to understand your surroundings. It’s one of those moments where there’s a turning point and you’re getting to understand, possibly, gender, race and class."